asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether, and, if so, what steps have been taken to improve the conditions of service of branch employment managers and if such steps have not yet been takenwhen it is hoped to improve the conditions of those branch managers.

A revision of the existing scheme of remuneration applicable to managers of branch employment offices of the Department is under consideration at present.

In addition proposals for the application to the remuneration of branch managers of the increases in Civil Service remuneration granted as from the 1st April, 1953, as a result of the arbitration award are also under consideration.